Kikki K Mindfulness Postcards

Cotman watercolor on Kikki K postcards


I saw these lovely Kikki K mindfulness Postcards a while ago, I didn't have time to paint them until later this year. I took the chance to test out a new Cotman watercolor set (by Winsor and Newton) and experimented how I can mix the 12 colors provided into the colors I want. The one I am most happy with is the gray color created by mixing phthalo blue and burnt umber. I have not learned color theory, but after painting 8 of these postcards, I understand its importance! 







Having poor visualizations and no idea how to choose a good hue to color-in, I was hesitant at the beginning whether I will enjoy it. For me, the hardest step sure is to start doing something. I guess it is because I have no idea how it will turn out, and the unknown deters me from taking action. But then what will be the worst outcome? I don't think wasting a postcard is a serious consequence and so I just went ahead, and just as what I predicted, the result is usually pleasant. I have no idea what I am scared about. Now I know that my worries are not necessary and I am looking forward to completing all the postcards. 


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Sunday Sketch: vol.22

Acrylic paints on a grey cardboard.



I have a box of acrylic paints on my shelf which I used to make miniature clay food with. I haven't been able to take the time to create miniatures anymore after I got into vet school, as I don't have generous blocks of free time anymore. I usually work 1-2 full days on miniatures continually each session, a luxury that became much harder to come by nowadays. 

As you know, acrylic paints tend to dry over time, I decided to use the ones that are still not caked up for painting. I came across a tutorial on how to create nebula patterns, it was a great short break that I can take between study to be creative and started smudging paint onto the cardboard I can see on my desk. I find there are much to improve my techniques; specifically, I can't create the depths and sense of dimensions it should have between the nebula clouds (some more dark paint between the colors?) and the stars I drew on top looked more like splatters than glowing celestial bodies. I would like to do another similar exercise soon, perhaps with some sponge to add textures and a smaller paint brush/metal ball-tipped tool to recreate stars.

I am by no means good at painting, but the process was calmingly therapeutic, which fits nicely as an activity for a break from brain work.
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Life: Boardbeach, Gold Coast

I spent a week at Gold Coast for a conference that I was kindly sponsored to go to earlier this year. It has been an exciting first-time experience travelling alone to a place I haven't been to before.



Sunday Sketch: vol.21

A study on abstract watercolor painting.
Acrylic paint on paper, then adjustments of levels and hues with photoshop.



Notes for improvements: Learn about color theory to better mix colors with the primary paints.
White balance settings on the scanner. And more practice and experiments without fear!



Sunday Sketch: vol.20

Watercolor on paper. Pattern made from scanned work, then processed via photoshop.



Sunday Sketch: vol.19

Pencil on sketch paper. Reference used.




Sunday Sketch: vol.18

Watercolor and ink pen on paper.



I have been nostalgic for the trip to Italy a few years ago: I love the architecture in Venice, the live mellow music they played on a rainy night, the narrow streets and alleys with overhanging lamps and giant wooden doors, and the sound of the paddle moving through water. A city with its vibrant history and culture, a place I must go back in the future. 
Meanwhile, I am happy with drawing as a quick fix.

Sunday Sketch: vol.17


Fountain pen on sketch paper. 5 min speed sketch without reference.



Written Words: Seventh





The moon, shrouded by the ashes, could no longer give guidance to the obsidian bird.

The Obsidian joined the fire instead.





Sunday Sketch vol.16

Watercolor on paper; reference used.
Color origami papers on black cardstock background.


Sunday Sketch vol.15

Watercolor on paper; references used.



Written Words: Sixth





Sunday Sketch vol:14

Watercolor on paper.
 

Sunday Sketch vol.13

Watercolor on paper with a brown ink pen, reference used.


Handmade Paper Craft: A Washi Paper Collage Birthday Card


I adore pretty cards. I always go onto Papyrus or Hallmark to look at their new designs, I have even created a Pinterest board to save those that I like most. I think cards are both visually pleasing and functionally practical for special occasions, such as birthdays, to write down my thoughts, blessings and gratitude for friends that I care about. 

Having the craft materials lying around at home and being inspired by the designers' creation, I gave an attempt on making a card myself. I decided to start easy and used only simple materials: just some washi craft paper, those that are used for making paper cranes; a thin ribbon, stiffened with glue for easy attachment onto paper; and alphabet stamps with ink pad.

The hardest part for me is to match the washi paper in which the three designs will compliment each other. From there, it is just simple cutting and pasting to create three tiered layers. To add contrast, the washi paper was sticked onto an ivory paper. Ribbon was attached with white glue, and words were stamped while waiting the glue to dry.

I also added a sheet of white paper in the card to write things on, which I believe is better than writing directly on the brown card.

I am happy with the result.